Optimized Biodiesel Production from Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Seed Oil: A Response Surface Methodology for Microwave-Assisted Transesterification

The acceptance of biodiesel, specifically fatty acid methyl esters, as an alternative to petroleum diesel has increased significantly. Traditional feedstocks used to produce biodiesel include various seed oils and used frying oils, but there is growing interest in low-cost alternatives like pumpkin seed oil. As a byproduct of cucurbits processing, a significant number of seeds often remains with a high oil content suitable for biodiesel production. In the search for new low-cost alternative feedstocks for biodiesel production, the evaluation of pumpkin seed oil was emphasized. Using a modified microwave oven for transesterification, this study optimized the key parameters of reaction temperature, catalyst concentration (KOH), and reaction time using a Box–Behnken design. The results showed a maximum biodiesel yield of 91.5%. Microwave irradiation significantly accelerated the process, reducing reaction times from an hour to minutes. The biodiesel produced met international physicochemical standards, demonstrating the potential of pumpkin seed oil as a sustainable biodiesel source.